Thursday, September 8, 2011

Weekend What's What 9/8-9/10

GREENERY/SCENERY

A collective whining could be heard throughout the land this week, as students of all ages had to shake their summer sass for a more scholarly demeanor. Despite this unofficial declaration that poor ol' summer is on its deathbed, we still look ahead to the lovely Autumn season in Minnesota, where wools and velvets and cashmere can be factored into flirty Fall fashions. We here at l'étoile are still holding out hope for a bit more summer sun, so whatever you do this weekend--and we've got more than a few good suggestions--take a moment to enjoy the greenery, as it's definitely fleeting.

Join l'etoile and Thom Pham's Wondrous Azian Kitchen each Thursday as we host weekly 8 p.m. screenings of Project Runway Season 9 in the Caterpillar Lounge! This season features one of our very own: talented local designer Danielle Everine! Despite Danielle was (unjustly!) 'aufed half-way through, we'll still be there, sipping stylish drink specials (including the $6 special "Everine Fizz") and noshing upon Pham's delectable bar menu. Danielle herself, as well as season six contestant Christopher Straub, plan to flatter us with appearances from time to time as well, so bring your autograph books!

FASHION'S NIGHT OUT BONUS: Join in on the fun earlier in the evening at Neiman Marcus on the third floor from 5:30-8pm for a little nosh and to sample Thom Pham's new specialty cocktail, the KAI-tini, from KAI Vodka. The stylish night continues at the Caterpillar Lounge with our weekly screening of Project Runway from 8-9 pm accompanied by informal modeling of fall trends by Neiman Marcus!

Join our sister blog LOL/OMG for the 1-year anniversary of their monthly social media meetup! LOL/OMG has brought both well-known and up n' coming acts to your eyes and ears at the 331 Club (and formerly at the 501 Club) over the last year and this Thursday we celebrate! Meet your Twitter and Facebook pals IRL, sip some cheap drinks, and rock out to the sounds of two of our favorite cover bands: SPEARZ (Britney Spears covers, featuring members of ZibraZibra, Moonstone, Matt Curney Band, Hot Freaks, The Golden Bubbles) and DARYL CROW (Sheryl Crow covers). Official Twitter Hashtag: #LOLOMG

Dubbed the “Mozart of 8mm,” underground filmmaker George Kuchar is one of the coolest, most influential dudes in indie cinema you've probably never heard of. Busting out over 200 genius low-budget films and short films, George was the epitome of 60's lo-fi, low-budget cinema. Showcasing alongside other “burgeoning” underground film scenesters such as Andy Warhol and Stan Brakhage, Kuchar was a direct inspiration for a generation of “weird” filmmakers including the king of Trash Cinema, John Waters (who routinely credits Kuchar and his frequent collaborator and twin brother, Mike, to his bizarre, raunchy cinematic vision). Sadly, the master of experimental film debauchery passed away from cancer mere days ago. Thankfully though, his once impossible to find films are available to peep in all their glory via YouTube. So pay your respects and be wowed by the work of a truly brilliant and insane filmmaker.

During the 17th century, a style of still life paintings became popular in the Netherlands that sang the conceptual praises of the biblical quote “all is vanity.” Dubbed “vanitas art,” these paintings highlighted the fleeting nature of life using symbolic imagery--hourglasses, watches, skulls, rotting fruit--to emote the viewer on both a visceral and sapient level. Tonight, join Fox Tax as they showcase an exhibit from local artists John Fleischer and Jennifer Nevitt that examines the ephemeral facets of life while paying homage to the framework of the moralistic “vanitas” genre. Peep multi-media artwork including paintings, drawings, sculpture, and sound/video installations from the pair.

Swing by MCAD gallery tonight for a double header art treat! Delve into the inspiration and legacy behind the renowned art and design college's creative past in Art-i-Facts: An Unconventional History of MCAD. The exhibit will feature over 200 quirky, beautiful, and unexpected "artifacts" submitted by alumni and culled from the college's archives. Also opening this Friday is Present Tense, an examination of the here and now by MCAD faculty--which convienently gives a congratulatory nod to the 125th anniversary of the famed institution (which by the way, will be officially celebrated with a big party next weekend!).

Ya got ninety-nine problems – but lack of art ‘aint one! The Soap Factory’s annual fundraiser is back, and you want to be there. With Benjamins. This year’s event features a larger format (8”x10”) and an even more exclusive selection of artists, including Alec Soth, Chris Faust, Liz Miller, and Wing Young Huie. All work was donated and all proceeds go to the gallery, giving you even more of an excuse to splurge (but let’s be honest, $99 for an art gem is a steal). Nibble delectable appetizers from Chowgirls and sip refreshments while you peruse the works, which, by the way, are displayed sans artist name to ensure your purchase choices more about the work and less about the name behind it. Can’t make Friday’s event? The Morning-After Sale begins at nine on Saturday, and all remaining works will be sold for $66.

Forget band self-glorification, the dudes from Koo Koo really just want you to have a killer time, bro. And what better way to make this happen then by providing you with goofy dance floor-busting, sing-a-long-able tunes and an interactive live show with...wait for it...choreographed dance moves. Tonight, don't miss an epically sweaty night as Koo Koo Kanga Roo celebrates the release of their latest “pay what you want” record, Midnight Slushie with a “big kid dance party”. You'll be moving, you'll be grooving, and just like your kindergarten days, you'll probably need to take a nap afterward. Check sets from Lo-Fi High Five, Neil Zumwalde, Seymore Saves the World and, of course, the Koo Koo cuties themselves.Click HERE for the Facebook event

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 9TH

EXTRA LARGE feat. Wezz Winship & Baby Cakes

@ The Record RoomFirst Avenue701 First Ave N.Minneapolis

10 p.m. / 18+/ $3 in advance $5 at the door

Back again with another edition of EXTRA LARGE, Mike 2600’s monthly jam features back-to-back sets filled with hip hop, dancehall disco, funk, electro and classic party bangers. This time around Mike will be out of town so he’s passed the gauntlet onto the talented Mr. Winship (co-creator of Dre Day, Triple Double, Bomp, and co-owner of Burlesque of N.A.) who definitely knows how to deliver some over-the-top bangin’ beats. Also get down to DJ Babycakes, who as half of lady DJ crews Monsterbrüsten and Tendercakes, has been creating chaos all over the city. As you get your groove on, enjoy 2-for-1 well drinks until midnight.

The ears behind Aquarium Drunkard are so keen, they’ve spun off a record label and a Friday night show on SIRIUS satellite radio. Run by Justin Gage, the music blog extraordinaire aims to unite the many subsets of contemporary indie, from vintage garage to psych to New Orleans funk to country and everything in between. Featuring MP3s, reviews, sessions, interviews (past ones include Lucinda Williams, DeVotcha, Merle Haggard, and The Walkmen), and hoards of throwbacks, it’s a must blogroll for anyone who likes any sort of music from anywhere at all. Yes, we mean pretty much everybody. Some highlights this week: an MP3 of Nancy Sinatra’s bubblegum cover of the Statier Brothers’ “Flowers on the Wall” and an interview with The Olivia Tremor Control, one of the original three Elephant 6 projects. All in all? A necessary bookmark.

The time for summer block parties may be over, but that’s not to say that the good people of Minneapolis can’t enjoy a little fall festivities, eh? Bring on the Oktoberfest, we say! This year, the Herkimer is throwing its own outdoor bash to usher in the season change, with live music starting at 1 p.m. by way of E.L.nO., Demographics, Night Moves, The Rope, BloodnStuff, Zebulon Pike, Marijuana Deathsquads, the Hood Internet, and Mystery Palace—-with more to be announced! Additionally, there will be some Live Art by Chuck U, Dillon Bakke, and Kyle Coughlin (Moonguts), who will be working across multiple canvases throughout the evening. And then there’s the silent auction. And the food. And the drinks. It would seem this fest comes just in time to pick up where the State Fair left off, eh?

Listen up, lady cyclists: September is THE month for biking. Why, you may ask? Because soon enough you're going to be desperately piling on layers, basically doing everything short of shearing your pets and wearing their fur to keep warm while biking. That's why you don't wanna miss the 5th annual Babes in Bikeland rally race. Not only is the weather primed for light jacket wearing, but this MPLS event is one of the most all-encompassing group rides of the year, encouraging women, trans bikers and everyone who loves to cycle to a ride d'endurance, 20 miles through the city in a scavenger hunt-esque race. Prizes range from a custom Peacock Groove Frameset or rad vintage bike parts from Sunrise Cyclery, to custom-made back strainless Trash Messenger bags or a Surly Steamroller Frameset. After the race – provided you've saved some leg stamina for dancing – head over to Sister's Camelot (2310 Snelling Ave) for a sick afterparty DJed by Optimus Prime with deliciously cold keg beer from New Belgium. Ladies, start yer pedals.

In his latest work, St. Paul-based artist Nate Young takes a provocative jab at pop culture icons, celebs and pop stars by pairing carbon copy drawings of the famed subjects next to California license plates. The result is an exhibit where specific language and image choices form both subtle and exposing relationships. Expect Michael Jackson's mug next to a suggestive driver's plate with the acronym “4PRV013” and other illusively direct variables. Saturday's opening reception features a special performance by Young and local poet Chaun Webster as well as projection installation.

Hey, pull your pants back up! Tonight's 3-way art show at the Soo isn't about comprimising positions, it's about creative collaboration. Respected local artists Scott Stulen, Bruce Tapola, and Erik Ullanderson meld their powers for a non-traditional group show that evolves through process, success, and failure as works are manipulated through the run of the exhibit. In the front gallery, painter Melissa Loop depicts society’s constant search for perfection and the numerous ways in which natural, social, and consumerist environments could collide to form a Utopia. Fusing imagery from Dubai to Disneyland, her work reveals a fantasyland with an almost video game-like aesthetic: sleek, hyper-colored, and not quite realistic, though the subjects of her drawings are all-too real and familiar.

Summer is winding down quickly, but not before one more sumptuous soiree in the most magical spot in town: the Walker's Sculpture Garden. Inspired by the strange faces and alluring places of Alice in Wonderland, twisted with elements of steampunk, the event will be just as gorgeous as it will be fun. Especially considering the entertainment for the evening: DJ Ammo, a world class DJ and producer best known for his work with the Black Eyed Peas and Kellis. For Gold Key holders, D’Amico will be catering a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres hour before the event. And of course, all proceeds go to benefit the museum. So, dress in your garden best, and don’t be late for this important date!

In case you haven’t heard, our favorite post-punk partiers Private Dancer are retiring. Tears! But we have good news: their (probably) last show will be held this Saturday night at the gritty Hexagon Bar, where you are more than welcome to shimmy and shake and toss your hair like the dirty little garage rocker we know you are. Plus, Private Dancer will be joined by the always riotous Birthday Suits, Child Bite (hailing all the way from Detroit! And boy, do they kill), Tender Meat, and Finger Pressure.

You gotta give these guys credit, they know how to hustle a gimmick while making themselves seem absolutely gimmick-free. Black Moth Super Rainbow’s usage of stage names such as Tobacco, Power Pill Fist and (our favorite) the Seven Fields of Aphelion (LOL), along with an aversion to modern recording technology and a general presentation that blends the worst elements of hippie-ism and hipsterism, in lesser hands, would be totally obnoxious. They even have songs called “Caterpillar House” and “The Afternoon Turns Pink,” for fuck’s sake. But this music is perfectly suited for summertime enjoyment: relentlessly upbeat, bubbling over with warm, purred melodies and sticky vocoder-laden hooks. The result is as psychedelic as an LSD visual, and every bit as satisfying. Tune in and drop out, man! Local savvy beatsmith Dosh will be on hand to open the show.

l'etoile loves weird music as much as any culture geek, but what we love even more is when the weirdness is homegrown. Prince, The Trashmen, Mark Mallman – let’s face it, flyover country has bred some seriously nutty--albeit legendary--minstrels. But his charming, unintentionally idiosyncratic brand of experimental pop isn’t the only reason why the Austin, MN-raised John Maus has peaked our ears this week. Both retro and futuristic, gothic and vibrant, lo-fi and incredibly intricate, Maus’ songs are the best kind of earworms, the kind you play in your head for days on end and still catch you of guard when you hear them aloud, even if it’s just the few bars you accidentally hum aloud on the bus. Whether or not this description makes any sense, spend some time with his latest album, We Must Become the Pitiless Censors of Ourselves, and keep on keeping it weird.

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